EU says new Russian car duties counter to WTO deal

The European Commission said on Monday it regretted a Russian decision to impose additional import duties on cars to protect domestic producers.

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12 Ocak 2009 Pazartesi 14:56

The European Commission said on Monday it regretted a Russian decision to impose additional import duties on cars to protect domestic producers, adding the move countered Russia's ambitions to join the WTO.

Russia raised import duties on cars no more than three years old imported by individuals from Monday to 54 percent from 48 percent.

"The European Commission very much regrets the position" on import duties held by the Russian Federation, a Commission spokesman told a regular briefing, adding the increased duties could amount to between 300 million and 400 million euros ($402 million to $536 million).

"The measure ... runs counter to the agreement we have with Russia from 2004 as part of their accession to the WTO," the spokesman said.